BACKGROUND: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a kind of factor that can mediate downstream action of transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF- β 1). The upregulation of connective tissue growth factor expression plays an important role in pathological changes of renal interstitial fibrosis.OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Sodium Ferulate on the expression of CTGF mRNA and protein in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and pathological changes of renal interstitial fibrosis, and to compare with Losartan.DESIGN: Randomized and controlled animal trial.SETTING: Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and College of Public Health, Sichuan University.MATERIALS: Twenty-four healthy adult male SD rats were selected from the Experimental Animal Center of Sichuan University. Sodium Ferulate was provided by Sichuan Hengda Pharmacy Co, Ltd (No. 050302); rabbit anti-rat CTGF by Santa Cruz; Western blotting by BioRAD, USA; DNA Engine OpticonTM real-time fluorescent quantitation PCR device by MJ Research, USA.METHODS: The experiment was performed at Research Laboratory of Clinical Medicine (grade BSL-1), College of Public Health, Sichuan University from May to December 2006. Twenty-four healthy rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=6): UUO model group, Sodium Ferulate group, Losartan group, and sham-operation group. According to the previous protocol, UUO models were established in UUO model group, Sodium Ferulate group, and Losartan group, and the other rats were subjected to sham operation. From the first day after UUO, Sodium Ferulate group was intragastrically (i.g.)administrated with 150 mg/kg/d Sodium Ferulate; Losartan group was administrated ig. with 20 mg/kg/d. Losartan; UUO and sham operation groups were administrated i.g. with matching normal saline. All rats were executed 14 days after UUO to harvest partial renal tissues. All experimental procedure was accorded with animal ethical standards.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The mRNA and protein expressions of CTGF were quantified by real-time PCR and Western blot. The pathological changes of renal interstitial tissues were observed by hematoxylin/eosin (HE) and Masson staining.RESULTS: Twenty-four rats were included in final analysis. Fourteen days after UUO, CTGF mRNA and protein expressions in UUO model group were significantly increased compared with sham operation group, but the expressions in Sodium Ferulate group were significantly lower than model group (P < 0.05). Compared with Losartan treated group, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). HE and Masson staining showed inflammatory cell infiltration and tubular and interstitial changes as well as collagen deposition in renal interstitial tissues on day 14 after UUO. Sodium Ferulate obviously improved the renal pathological changes in UUO rats (P < 0.05), and the effect was similar to Losartan (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: Sodium Ferulate inhibits UUO-induced renal interstitial fibrosis. This action, similar to the effect of Losartan, might be due to downregulation of CTGF expression.

Objective To evaluate the effects of different doses of lidocaine on suppressing fentanyl-induced cough and determine a safe suppressing dose.Methods Two hundred patients undergoing general anesthesia were randomized to four groups evenly.The following medications were given within ten seconds:normal saline 10ml (groupⅠ,control group),lidocaine 1 mg/kg (groupⅡ),lidoeaine 1.5 mg/kg(groupⅢ),lidocaine 2mg/kg (groupⅣ).Toxic symptoms of lidocaine were recorded within lmin after the administration of lidocaine,then fentanyl 3?g/ kg was given intravenously within 5 seconds.Cough incidence and cough grade were recorded within 2rain after the administration of fentanyl.Systolic blood pressure (SBP),diastolic blood pressure (DBP),heart rates (HR),and satu- ration of pulse oximeter(SpO2) were recorded during different time points of induction,all recorded data were anal- ysed by the statistical software,P value

Objective To evaluate the clinical value of multi-slice CT(MSCT)angiography in the diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis.Methods Fourteen patients underwent MSCT angiography with use of 90 ml contrast media at a rate of 3.5 ml/s.Images were generated for vascular assessment with various reconstructional techniques,including multi-planar reformat(MPR),maximum intensity projection(MIP), volume rendering(VR),CT virtual endoscopy(CTVE)and advanced vessel analysis(AVA).Results MSCT angiography findings was consistent with the clinical changes of Takayasu's arteritis in all cases.The integrated information including reconstructional and transverse images clearly presented various luminal abnormalities,such as stenosis,occlusion and dilatation in the affected aorta,as well as its major branches and collateral circulation.Furthermore,it depicted mural abnormities,especially concentric arterial wall thickening.Steno-occlusive type(8/14)was more common than mixed type(6/14).According to Lupi- Herrea's classification,type Ⅰ in 5 cases,type Ⅱ in 2,type Ⅲ in 6 and type Ⅳ in 1 were recorded in the present study.Conclusion MSCT angiography is reliable imaging modality for the detection of Takayasu's arteritis.It is useful for early diagnosis because it allows evaluation of wall thickness rather than merely the luminal diameter,which is especially important for prognosis.It might be used as the first choice in the diagnosis of this disease as a simple,convenient and noninvasive method.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the value of magnetic resonance dynamic contrast-enhanced (MR-DCE) and magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (MR-DWI) in the differentiation of benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors.

METHODSSixty-three patients with pathologically confirmed musculoskeletal tumors were examined with MR-DCE and MR-DWI. Using single shot spin echo planar imaging sequence and different b values of 400, 600, 800 and 1000 s/mm(2), we obtained the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the lesions. ADC values were measured before and after MR-DCE, with a b value of 600 s/mm(2). The 3D fast acquired multiple phase enhanced fast spoiled gradient recalled echo sequence was obtained for multi-slice of the entire lesion. The time-signal intensity curve (TIC), dynamic contrast-enhanced parameters, maximum slope of increase (MSI), positive enhancement integral, signal enhancement ratio, and time to peak (T(peak)) were also recorded.

RESULTSADC showed no significant difference between benign and malignant tumors when the b value was 400, 600, 800, or 1000 s/mm(2), and it was not significantly different between benign and malignant tumors in both pre-MR-DCE and post-MR-DCE with b value of 600 s/mm(2). TIC were classified into four types type1 showed rapid progression and gradual drainage; type2 showed rapid progression but had no or slight progression; type 3 showed gradual progression; and type 4 had no or slight progression. Most lesions of type1 or type2 were malignant, whereas most lesions of type 3 or type 4 were benign. When using type1 and type 2 as the standards of malignancy, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was 87.23% and 50.00%, respectively. The types of TIC showed significant difference between benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors(χ(2)=17.009,P=0.001). When using MSI 366.62 ± 174.84 as the standard of malignancy, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was 86.78% and 78.67%, respectively. When using T(peak)≤70s as the standard of malignancy, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was 82.89%and 85.78%, respectively. Positive enhancement integral and signal enhancement ratio showed no significant difference between benign and malignant musculoskeletal tumors.

CONCLUSIONSTIC, MSI and T(peak) of MR-DCE are valuable in differentiating benign from malignant musculoskeletal tumors. T(peak) has the highest diagnostic specificity, and TIC has the highest diagnostic sensitivity. The mean ADC value are no significant difference between benign and malignant tumors.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Bone Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; Child ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; Young Adult

BACKGROUNDCerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) may lead to serious neurological disorders; however, little is known about the risk factors for recurrent CVT. Our aim was to determine the association between elevated fibrinogen and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels with recurrent CVT.

METHODSThis retrospective cohort study included participants if they had a first episode of objectively defined CVT and were admitted to Xuan Wu Hospital, Capital Medical University from August 2005 to September 2009. Demographic and clinical variables were collected, as well as laboratory parameters, including plasma fibrinogen and HDL-C. Patients with CVT were followed for recurrent symptomatic CVT. Follow-up was through the end of September 2010. Potential predictors of recurrence were analyzed using Cox survival analysis.

RESULTSAt the end of the follow-up, 95 patients were eligible for the study. Twelve of 95 patients (12.6%) had recurred CVT. The median time of recurrence was 7 months (range: 1-39 months). Eight of these 12 (66.7%) experienced recurrence within the first 12 months after their initial CVT. The recurrence rate of CVT was 2.76 per 100 patient-years. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the coexistence of high fibrinogen (>4.00 g/L) and low HDL-C (<1.08 mmol/L) levels at baseline was the only independent predictor for recurrent CVT (hazard ratio: 4.69; 95% confidence interval: 1.10-20.11; P < 0.05). Of the twelve patients with recurrent CVT in our study, 7 (58.3%) had high fibrinogen plus low HDL-C levels. All 7 of these patients took warfarin for 3-12 months, and 6 of 7 had recurrent CVT after the discontinuation of anticoagulant treatment.

CONCLUSIONSConcomitant high fibrinogen and low HDL-C levels may be associated with recurrence of CVT. The effect of potential risk factors related to atherothrombosis on recurrent CVT should be closely monitored.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Cholesterol, HDL ; metabolism ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Fibrinogen ; metabolism ; Humans ; Intracranial Thrombosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the expression and role of cyclic-AMP response binding protein (CREB) and Bcl-2 in children with acute leukemia.

METHODSNinety-two children with acute leukemia (leukemia group) and 30 children with non-hematologic malignancies (control group) were enrolled. The mRNA and protein expression of CREB and Bcl-2 in bone marrow mononuclear cells were measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot.

RESULTSThe mRNA and protein expression of CREB and Bcl-2 in the leukemia group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.01). There were no significant differences in the expression of CREB and Bcl-2 between acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia subgroups. At the initial diagnosis, the mRNA and protein expression of CREB and Bcl-2 in children with extramedullary infiltration was higher than that in children without (p<0.05). In the leukemia group, the mRNA and protein expression of CREB and Bcl-2 in the complete remission subgroup was significantly lower than that in the non-complete remission subgroup (p<0.01). High mRNA expression of CREB and Bcl-2 in the leukemia group was positively correlated with peripheral blood leucocyte counts (r=0.62, 0.71 respectively, p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between mRNA and protein expression of CREB and Bcl-2 (r=0.75, 0.68 respectively; p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe expression of CREB and Bcl-2 may be correlated with the pathogenesis and clinical prognosis of childhood leukemia, however, their expression may not be associated with the classification of acute leukemia.

Acute Disease ; Adolescent ; Bone Marrow Cells ; metabolism ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein ; analysis ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Leukemia ; metabolism ; Male ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; analysis ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo study the protective effects of salidroside on injury induced by hypoxia/hypoglycemia in cultured SH-SY5Y cell.

METHODApoptosis and intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were measured by flow cytometry, morphological changes and neuronal necrosis were observed with fluorescence microscope, and the lactic dehydrogenate (LDH) release was measured by LDH kits.

RESULTHypoxia/hypoglycemia cultures for 2 hours induced neuronal apoptosis and necrosis. They were 18.59% (P < 0.01) and 4.94% (P < 0.01) respectively. There were morphological changes including chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation and formed apoptotic bodies after exposed to hypoxia/hypoglycemia for 2, 4, 6, 12 hours. After 2 hours of hypoxia/hypoglycemia, neuronal [Ca2+]i and the release of LDH were significantly increased. They were 8.46 nmol/L (P < 0.01) and 16.59% (P < 0.01) respectively. The effects were enhanced with the extending time of hypoxia/hypoglycemia. Salidroside might have significantly decreased the percentage of neuronal apoptosis and necrosis, reduced neuronal [Ca2+]i and the release of LDH. The effects of salidroside were strengthened with the increasing of Salidroside dosage.

CONCLUSIONSalidroside has effect of anti-neuronal apoptosis. This effect might be related to its function of decreasing intracellular free calcium concentration.

Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Calcium ; metabolism ; Cell Hypoxia ; drug effects ; Glucosides ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Hypoglycemia ; metabolism ; pathology ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; Neurons ; pathology ; Neuroprotective Agents ; pharmacology ; Phenols ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rhodiola ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo explore the angiogenesis and its maturation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its correlation with deoxyhemoglobin parameters R2 * and T2 * values and the lesion/muscle R2*, T2 * ratio by using noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

METHODST2 *, R2 * values and the lesion/muscle R2 *, T2 * ratio in tumor periphery and center were calculated via series T2 * images in a total of 31 patients with surgically and pathologically confirmed HCC. After surgery, all sections were obtained from the specimen periphery in accordance with the MR analyzed areas. Continuous slices of each lesion were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), and immunohistochemical staining was performed in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Flk-1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), CD34, and alpha smooth muscle actin (SMA). The expressions of VEGF, Flk-1, and PCNA index (PI) were evaluated. According to CD34 and SMA, some vascular parameters, including number, mean vessel area, total vessel area, circumference, diameter, distance between adjacent vessels, and variety index of microvessel and mature vessel, were calculated with a computed analysis system. The amounts of arterioles and veinlets, mature vessel index, and mean perfused fraction (mPF) were also recorded. All vessel parameters were compared with the calculated values of MRI.

RESULTSR2 * value or lesion/muscle R2 * ratio decreased and T2 * value or the lesion/muscle T2 * ratio increased in HCC when compared with hepatic parenchyma (P < 0.05); however, those values between lesion periphery and center and among different pathological grades were not significantly different (P > 0.05). T2 * value and the lesion/muscle T2 * ratio significantly decreased when the expression of VEGF was positive (P < 0.05). T2 * value was negatively correlated with microvessel amount (P = 0.047, r = - 0.639), while T2 * value and the lesion/muscle T2 * ratio were positively correlated with mPF (P = 0.040, r = 0.655; P = 0.048, r = 0.40, respectively). R2 * value was also positively correlated with mean area (P = 0.028, r = 0.688), total area (P = 0.021, r = 0.712) or circumference (P = 0.037, r = 0.663) of microvessel, and negatively correlated with mPF (P = 0.024, r = - 0.702). Meanwhile, the lesion/muscle R2 * ratio was positively correlated with mean area (P = 0.043, r = 0.647) and circumference (P = 0.026, r = 0.694) of microvessels.

CONCLUSIONR2 * or T2 * value may be influenced by the variation of deoxyhemoglobin caused by the heterogeneity of angiogenesis.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; blood supply ; Female ; Hemoglobins ; Humans ; Liver ; pathology ; Liver Neoplasms ; blood supply ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neovascularization, Pathologic

Objective To investigate the effect of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)/graphene oxide (GO) nanofibers combined with brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferation and differentiation as well as on the spinal cord injury repair.Methods PLGA/GO nanofibers were manufactured and absorbed with BDNF,and the microstructure of PLGA/GO nanofibers was observed by scanning electron microscope.The loading efficiency and release curve of BDNF on PLGA/GO nanofibers were measured by ELISA.NSCs were implanted on the surface of PLGA/GO and PLGA/GO/BDNF nanofibers.The absorbance values of each group were measured by MTT method,and the expression of Tuj-1 was observed by immunofluorescence and PCR.A total of 30 female SD rats were divided into control group (n =10),PLGA/GO group (n =10) and PLGA/GO/BDNF group (n =10) according to random number table.T9 spinal cord tissue was cut by Venus scissors to establish spinal cord hemisection injury model of rats.PLGA/GO and PLGA/GO/BDNF nanofibers were implanted onto the surface of injury site.BBB score was used to assess the motion functional recovery of the rats at 1,7,14 and 28 days after operation.Immunofluorescence staining of neuron specific nucleoprotein (NeuN)and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were performed to observe the expressions of neurons and astrocytes at the injured site respectively one month after injury.Results The PLGA/GO nanofibers showed an irregular smooth fiber-like structure,and the average fiber diameter was (987.5 ± 176.3)nm.NSCs could differentiate into neurons on the nanofibers.The result of ELISA showed loading rate of BDNF on PLGA/GO nanofibers was about 47.5％.The release curve showed that BDNF was first released about 30％ on the first day and then about 60％ on the 21st day.The results of MTT and PCR showed that optical density value and Tuj-1 gene expression in the PLGA/GO/BDNF group were significantly higher than those in the PLGA/GO group (P ＜ 0.05).The animal experiment results showed that the BBB score of PLGA/GO/BDNF group was (15.3 ±0.7) points at 28 days after injury,which was significantly higher than that of the injury control group [(11.8 ± 0.8) points] and that of PLGA/GO group [(12.7 ±0.8) points] (P ＜ 0.05).Immunofluorescence results showed that the expression of NeuN in PLGA/GO/BDNF group was 13.7 ± 2.2,significantly higher than that in injury control group (4.3 ± 2.9) (P ＜0.05),and the expression of GFAP in PLGA/GO group was (25.6 ± 4.3) ％ significantly lower than that in injury control group [(38.5 ± 6.2) ％] and PLGA/GO group [(36.7 ± 7.3) ％] (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion PLGMGO nanofibers combined with BDNF can effectively promote the proliferation and neuron differentiation of NSCs in vitro and repair spinal cord injury in vivo through orthotopic transplantation at the injury site.

Objective: To investigate constitutional and phys ical stamina status in soldiers with different adaption periods in Tibetan areas . Methods: Two hundred and eithty-two male soldiers from a barr acks at an elevation of 3 600 m were divided into 2 groups: the veteran group ( n=143) in Tibet for 1.45±0.22 year, and the recruit group (n=139) in Ti bet for 0.33±0.00 years. The test items included body weight, cirumference, st a nding long jump, chin-up, 100 m dash and 3 000 m jogging, all were evaluated ac cording to the national military standard, which were Comprehensive Evaluation o f Health in Troops, and Examination and Evaluation of the Physical Stamina of So ldiers. Results: The physical stamina indexes of both the vetera ns and the recruits were up to the national military norm on the whole, ranking as moderate. The veteran group showed no significant difference in standing long jump and 100 m dash,（P<0.05), but obvious lower level in chin-up and 3 00 0 m jogging（P<0.01）, compared with the national military norm. The recr ui t group showed significant lower level in chin-up, 100 m dash, 3 000 m jogging as compared with the national military norm（P<0.01）, and also significant lower level in chin-up and 3 000 m jogging （P<0.05 or P<0.01) as compa red with the veteran group. Conclusion: The physical stamina of both the veterans and the recruits meet the basic national military requirements , ranking as moderate. The soldiers who have been in service for over 1 year hav e better explosive force, but they need more tolerance and aerobic exercises. Th e newly recruited need more exercise to raise tolerance to the hypoxic environme nt in plateau areas so as to shorten the adaption time to high altitude.